I suppose someone will read this sometime before December 25.
May this season be joyous. Let God remind you of the reason for the coming of His Son, our Savior, whose birth we celebrate - that is the best cause for joy!
May you have time to share with family. Have fun with your children. Talk to your siblings, parents and other relatives, recalling good times and reminding one another about how God "sent His only begotten Son."
I would love to think my sons, Scott and Tim, with their families, Katie and Martigan, and Kristin and Sophie, would see this ... "I love you all and pray your Christmas is wonderful."
I will talk to you (and text you) and make this more personal. Besides which, I cannot be certain you will read this.
Many of us have to truly rely on the grace of God to thoroughly celebrate. Heartache haunts us in numerous ways: we lost a loved one to death, we live far from family and have only the unsatisfying electronic media through which to communicate or sickness, poverty or some other trouble is on our heals and worming their ways into our hearts.
While we live in this world, there is no guarantee that tribulation won't touch us. As those who trust in Jesus, we have God's strength on which to rely, His joy to strengthen us, His peace to surround us and comfort us.
I believe ... and have experienced its reality ... that God's love and mercy are tangible.
He may send someone to physically be with you and provide emotional support. At the other end of the spectrum, God often reveals through His word an amazing sense of comfort.
Anyone who views me from the outside (as most of us see others around us, oblivious to what is going on inside them), may think I haven't a care in the world. It's Christmas, and I have everything one could want to make the season joyful.
I am RICHLY blessed, but I am human. I have lacks that may not be obvious but exist nonetheless.
Do I expect to have a blast this year? Yes! I could be wrong ... something could go awry. But the joy of the season is Jesus.
Secondarily, we get joy from family and friends.
And we can share happy experiences ... good worship, caroling, parties, dinner, watching "The Nativity Story," "It's a Wonderful Life" or "Miracle on 34th Street" (NOT "A Christmas Story") and, yes, football.
Even giving and getting gifts can be great ... if you steel yourself for the potential for disappointment when all you wanted from Christmas doesn't satisfy when you get them.
Be happy with the perfect gift ... Jesus.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
I'll Take All the Stringed Instruments I Can Get!
Another strange issue that creates division (Oh! How I hate to hear of such among the children of God.) in churches is the use of instruments in the sanctuary during worship.
I have only one complaint about instruments - I don't have enough of them at our church!
I'll take any guitars, drums, horns, cymbals, etc. you want to provide. I'm out of practice in dealing with instrumental performance BUT I believe I could relearn quickly how to do it should God prompt the musicians to join in and they say, "Yes," to his call.
Some people actually are completely satisfied with a piano and or organ being the only instruments used. Some churches don't even use instrumental soundtracks, preferring using their keyboard players to accompany every part of the singing - congregational, choir, ensemble or solo.
Some people - and some churches - believe nothing but the human voice should be heard in a service. Their justification - the New Testament, they say, never mentions musical instruments in gatherings of the church AND they limit their form of worship to a New Testament guide, forgoing all the scripture in the Old Testament.
They certainly cannot dissuade the use of instrumental music in worship if they read the Old Testament, especially the Psalms. Among the seven Hebrews words that are translated "praise" in English is the word "zamar."
Zamar means "to pluck the strings of an instrument, to sing, to praise; a musical word which is largely involved with joyful expressions of music with musical instruments."
I have only one complaint about instruments - I don't have enough of them at our church!
I'll take any guitars, drums, horns, cymbals, etc. you want to provide. I'm out of practice in dealing with instrumental performance BUT I believe I could relearn quickly how to do it should God prompt the musicians to join in and they say, "Yes," to his call.
Some people - and some churches - believe nothing but the human voice should be heard in a service. Their justification - the New Testament, they say, never mentions musical instruments in gatherings of the church AND they limit their form of worship to a New Testament guide, forgoing all the scripture in the Old Testament.
They certainly cannot dissuade the use of instrumental music in worship if they read the Old Testament, especially the Psalms. Among the seven Hebrews words that are translated "praise" in English is the word "zamar."
Zamar means "to pluck the strings of an instrument, to sing, to praise; a musical word which is largely involved with joyful expressions of music with musical instruments."
Psalm 21:13: "Be exalted O Lord, in Thine own strength, so will we
sing and praise (zamar) Thy power."
To praise the Lord is a willful decision. I must decide that God is worthy of my worship and, whether I feel like it or not, I lift my voice in song, chant or shout, I lift my hands, ecstatically or in supplication, or I clap, dance or spin in joyful response to Who He is and what He has done and is doing.
Praise is also an emotional response to the character and mercy of God. If I truly understand who God is and what He does, I WILL feel joy, peace and exultation. It will erupt from deep within me in some form of praise.
I am a singer. I don't play an instrument (one of the things I regret most is never disciplining myself to learn to play something). I don't regret being a singer; I am grateful to God for the talent, the anointing and the opportunities He gives.
Yet, instrumental music more fully expresses the joy I have in the Lord than anything else. My songs are completed by the use of instruments. I am blessed by the way the instrumental arrangements enhance the vocal lines.
And I love the unadorned, a cappella sounds. Both fit in worship. Each has its place. Certainly, singing in the Spirit - the anointed harmonizing of human voices yielded in uninhibited song directed toward the Almighty - is as glorious as any praise in which I have participated!
In most worship services, I want to have any and all instruments possible available. And if sons and daughters of God who play aren't available, I'll be blessed to use soundtracks.
I'll worship in "truth" - basing instrumental use on the word of God. I'll worship in "spirit" - focusing whatever is done on glorifying and thanking God and proclaiming the salvation that is through Jesus Christ to whoever hears.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thanksgiving Is Due the Lord
Psalm 92:1-5 (A psalm or song for the sabbath day)
It is good to give thanks to Jehovah, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to show forth Your loving-kindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night; on the ten strings, and on the harp, with sounding music on the lyre. For You, Jehovah, have made me glad with Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. O Jehovah, how great are Your works You purposes are very deep.
"It is good to give thanks ..." Translation - God is worthy of my thanks and to withhold my praise - to not have a thankful heart from which praise flows is evidence of something deeply troubling in me.
We'll deal with the obvious up front. As much as I love turkey and the trimmings (most especially, after the turkey, the pumpkin pie and whipped cream and other desserts), that is not what this season is about. It is more than a national holiday. The feasting is supposed to be about more than filling our stomachs and not worry about it because we're only going to plop onto the couches to watch the football games.
Feasting originally was intended as a celebration of God's character and what He has done for us because of Who He is. Feasting originated among people who didn't always have abundance, so they celebrated the bounty that God provided.
We now feast in a land of constant abundance ... and our feasting has become more about the pleasure in the abundance and enjoyment of the flavors and sated feelings of a lot of food.
We MUST consciously with determination remind ourselves - I must remind myself - that God is still in control. We have abundance only because He has provided it. I must remember that everyone ISN'T so blessed, and not because God loves me more. He knows who to present with abundance and who to present with lack. God alone knows which circumstance is the best for whomever in preparing them for eternity.
In lack and plenty, I can find blessings. God's goodness is in His presence and His care for me in whatever need I have. And we with plenty of food have as many and as critical needs as those who are hungry.
God is God and worthy of honor and glory.
God is just and worthy of respect and obedience.
God is merciful and worthy of praise.
God is good, and His goodness should compel us to utter thanks ... to sing our thanks ... to shout our thanks!
It is good to give thanks to Jehovah, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to show forth Your loving-kindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night; on the ten strings, and on the harp, with sounding music on the lyre. For You, Jehovah, have made me glad with Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. O Jehovah, how great are Your works You purposes are very deep.
"It is good to give thanks ..." Translation - God is worthy of my thanks and to withhold my praise - to not have a thankful heart from which praise flows is evidence of something deeply troubling in me.
We'll deal with the obvious up front. As much as I love turkey and the trimmings (most especially, after the turkey, the pumpkin pie and whipped cream and other desserts), that is not what this season is about. It is more than a national holiday. The feasting is supposed to be about more than filling our stomachs and not worry about it because we're only going to plop onto the couches to watch the football games.
Feasting originally was intended as a celebration of God's character and what He has done for us because of Who He is. Feasting originated among people who didn't always have abundance, so they celebrated the bounty that God provided.
We now feast in a land of constant abundance ... and our feasting has become more about the pleasure in the abundance and enjoyment of the flavors and sated feelings of a lot of food.
We MUST consciously with determination remind ourselves - I must remind myself - that God is still in control. We have abundance only because He has provided it. I must remember that everyone ISN'T so blessed, and not because God loves me more. He knows who to present with abundance and who to present with lack. God alone knows which circumstance is the best for whomever in preparing them for eternity.
In lack and plenty, I can find blessings. God's goodness is in His presence and His care for me in whatever need I have. And we with plenty of food have as many and as critical needs as those who are hungry.
God is God and worthy of honor and glory.
God is just and worthy of respect and obedience.
God is merciful and worthy of praise.
God is good, and His goodness should compel us to utter thanks ... to sing our thanks ... to shout our thanks!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Get Loud and Proud of the Lord, Your God
I tried to continue looking at the quiet side of praise and worship, but couldn't do it. Yes. I like boisterous praise. I cannot get enough of praising with a loud voice of triumph.
How fortunate for me - one of the Hebrew words for praise is "shabach" - to shout, to address in a loud tone, to command, to triumph."
The people of God don't shout enough. They act like God might be timid and easily disturbed by noise.
They haven't heard His thunder or seen His lightning if they believe He is offended by a rousing "Hallelujah" or "Glory to God!"
I repeat that those who profess Christ as their Lord should be awed by His presence, bowing at His feet and overcome by His glory. The reverent attitude of worship is also lacking in the church.
Silence or quiet, however, is not at a premium; unless the members are in the fellowship hall or spending time greeting one another, they are too willing to be quiet.
The scriptures mention often the fire of God and talk about His word burning in the bones of His followers. Worship is often pictured as smoke, the result of fire.
Modern worshippers are so worried about "wildfire" that they quench the fire of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Like flint clapped against flint to produce a spark and ignite a flame, sanctuaries across the land need to have a "holy fire" ignited by a good, noisy dose of praise.
I have NEVER witnessed a quiet stadium filled with fans of a winning team. Fans of winning teams are usually so boisterous as to be arrogant. Have you ever been on the losing side and heard, "Sha-na-na-na, sha-na-na-na, Hey, hey, hey, goodbye!" chanted from the opposing stands?
Because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, we are made triumphant over sin and death. Because He was raised from the dead, you and I live just this side of eternal life in the presence of God!
Even in life on earth, we are winners, not always having everything the way we would prefer, but able to have the attitude of conquerors as the victory of Christ is imputed to us.
Nobody has more reason to shout and express triumph than sons and daughters of the Most High God.
Practically speaking, we who are still dwelling in fleshly bodies experience sorrow, anger, bitterness and frustration. We do not always enter a time of worship feeling like praising God by singing, clapping, lifting our hands or any of the other ways of expressing worship.
Sometimes the "shout of triumph" - though not an empty noise - must be the kick start, the catalyst for our praise, with the emotions flowing from the will to praise.
The psalmist, believed to be David, said, "I will praise the Lord!" God is worthy of praise. Because of His salvation given freely to me, I have cause to do no less than praise. I can do this any time and anywhere.
I certainly should decide to - in the midst of the congregation of the Lord, and at liberty because of their love and understanding - break forth into praise as we celebrate together the goodness of the Lord.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Worship in Spirit and Truth part 1
John 4:19-24The woman said to Him, Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.
Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
Jesus said to her, Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you shall neither worship the Father in this mountain nor yet at Jerusalem.
You worship what you do not know, we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.
But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to worship Him.
God is a spirit, and they who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.
The Samaritan woman was in the presence of Jesus, who alone was worthy of her worship. What was her reaction? The same sort of response we have too often - asking questions about issues that have no bearing on reality or the fact that JESUS IS HERE.
Some of us ask questions similar to hers ... they sing hymns and old gospel songs at our church, but they sing those modern choruses at (insert church name). Which is best?
Our church uses musical instruments; their church does not. They say the New Testament doesn't mention playing instruments in worship, and we're a New Testament church, so we shouldn't play instruments. Right?
Should we be ritualistic with an order of bowing and standing to worship?
Should we not plan an order of service, but rather "let the Holy Spirit guide our worship" and just do what we feel led to do?
Singing is great. You're not really going to ask me to clap or shout or dance or bow or kneel or any of that other stuff, are you?
Why can't we just be quiet and reverent? I like to come into the sanctuary and meditate without all that commotion.
I'm so bored. We sing those same old hymns; there's no cool rhythms. And how about adding some guitars, keyboards and drums. What's wrong with really rocking out? Is God afraid of noise?
Who knows if I'll ever answer all those questions or when I might do it. But Jesus set the example and, bottom line, established the standard ... the truth. He is the Truth.
Human beings get religious and figure out myriad ways to mess up the things of God.
God established worship. He is the expert to whom we must go to know how to worship. Besides establishing the various methods of worship, He revealed to us that which holds worship together and makes it WORSHIP.
"... worship in spirit and truth ..."
I'm in the flesh, so I will express my worship in a physical way. Thankfully, God wrote down acceptable methods of physically worshipping. When I'm obedient to do things His way, I'm following the Spirit and Truth.
And the acts of worship are not the totality of worship. If I am not being moved by the Spirit of God and led by the truth of scripture, I am not worshipping. I'm just making noise or performing empty religious rites.
Whatever I do ... and more than singing, playing and bowing is in play here ... I must do in the spirit, led by God, directing it to God and not concerned about "how" as much as I am that whatever is done honors God. Do my actions honor Him? Do my words glorify Him? Do my relationships with others snuggle close to my close relationship with Him?
From there, I have a great hope that, from the overflow of the heart of someone worshipping God moment-by-moment, step-by-step, there will be an eruption into song, dance and all other methods of worship as an individual and in the midst of the congregation.
Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
Jesus said to her, Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you shall neither worship the Father in this mountain nor yet at Jerusalem.
You worship what you do not know, we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.
But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to worship Him.
God is a spirit, and they who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.
The Samaritan woman was in the presence of Jesus, who alone was worthy of her worship. What was her reaction? The same sort of response we have too often - asking questions about issues that have no bearing on reality or the fact that JESUS IS HERE.
Some of us ask questions similar to hers ... they sing hymns and old gospel songs at our church, but they sing those modern choruses at (insert church name). Which is best?
Our church uses musical instruments; their church does not. They say the New Testament doesn't mention playing instruments in worship, and we're a New Testament church, so we shouldn't play instruments. Right?
Should we be ritualistic with an order of bowing and standing to worship?
Should we not plan an order of service, but rather "let the Holy Spirit guide our worship" and just do what we feel led to do?
Singing is great. You're not really going to ask me to clap or shout or dance or bow or kneel or any of that other stuff, are you?
Why can't we just be quiet and reverent? I like to come into the sanctuary and meditate without all that commotion.
I'm so bored. We sing those same old hymns; there's no cool rhythms. And how about adding some guitars, keyboards and drums. What's wrong with really rocking out? Is God afraid of noise?
Who knows if I'll ever answer all those questions or when I might do it. But Jesus set the example and, bottom line, established the standard ... the truth. He is the Truth.
Human beings get religious and figure out myriad ways to mess up the things of God.
God established worship. He is the expert to whom we must go to know how to worship. Besides establishing the various methods of worship, He revealed to us that which holds worship together and makes it WORSHIP.
"... worship in spirit and truth ..."
I'm in the flesh, so I will express my worship in a physical way. Thankfully, God wrote down acceptable methods of physically worshipping. When I'm obedient to do things His way, I'm following the Spirit and Truth.
And the acts of worship are not the totality of worship. If I am not being moved by the Spirit of God and led by the truth of scripture, I am not worshipping. I'm just making noise or performing empty religious rites.
Whatever I do ... and more than singing, playing and bowing is in play here ... I must do in the spirit, led by God, directing it to God and not concerned about "how" as much as I am that whatever is done honors God. Do my actions honor Him? Do my words glorify Him? Do my relationships with others snuggle close to my close relationship with Him?
From there, I have a great hope that, from the overflow of the heart of someone worshipping God moment-by-moment, step-by-step, there will be an eruption into song, dance and all other methods of worship as an individual and in the midst of the congregation.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Bless (Kneel before) the Lord!
Are you surprised that many people in the church find it difficult to cut loose and praise the Lord?
I have heard the same reply to my pleas for folks to sing and, with greater liberty, express their joy in the salvation of the Lord that many song leaders and minister have heard: "I am worshipping God inside and feel more comfortable being quiet and meditating. I like things to be reverent."
They may be meditating, but based on scripture, which is our foundation for everything in life, they cannot be worshipping or praising if they are doing nothing. The atmosphere may appear to be reverent, but to revere God is to esteem who He is and obey His commands.
And, there are quiet methods of praise, one in particular - barak - which means to kneel, to bless God. - from a Hebrew word that is translated "praise".
Surprise again! I don't see many church members kneeling. Fewer still lie prostrate on the floor at the "altar of God" to ask for and expect a miracle from God in whatever circumstance they find themselves.
At best, soft, cushioned pews are filled (and often, large swaths of the seats are empty). Church-goers seem content to sit there during corporate praise and worship, through the sermon and past the altar call. No response to the moving of Holy Spirit.
Psalm 72 says: "For He will deliver the needy when he cries for help ... He will have compassion on the poor and needy ... He will rescue their life from oppression and violence; ... Let them bless (barak) Him all day long."
Some will charge believers with "begging" God for His help. "Barak" is not about begging.
We all are certainly needy enough to warrant begging - if God required for us to plead for His help. He does not. His grace and mercy, His help for whatever our need, is already offered, and it is "more than sufficient."
The attitude described in the word "barak" is one of coming before God because we know He will meet our most basic and greatest need, sin and separation from God, through the shed blood of Jesus; our need for eternal fellowship with God, authorized by God raising Jesus from the dead; and our needs while still here on earth, in tender loving care far beyond what we deserve.
We kneel or bow before Him. Nothing needs to be said, though our lips may even here express our gratitude. Our hearts are filled with expectation that the Lord will accept us into His presence and bless us with His abundant mercy.
I can only conclude again that I and many like me are failing to draw near to God - as He has urged us (ME) to do - and not fully realized how GREAT is His compassion and grace toward us (ME). Otherwise, we would without hesitation, at church or anywhere we are, acknowledge Him and "barak" - kneel or prostrate ourselves - often. It would not take an "act of congress" or a ritual to get us on our knees or faces before God.
I have heard the same reply to my pleas for folks to sing and, with greater liberty, express their joy in the salvation of the Lord that many song leaders and minister have heard: "I am worshipping God inside and feel more comfortable being quiet and meditating. I like things to be reverent."
They may be meditating, but based on scripture, which is our foundation for everything in life, they cannot be worshipping or praising if they are doing nothing. The atmosphere may appear to be reverent, but to revere God is to esteem who He is and obey His commands.
And, there are quiet methods of praise, one in particular - barak - which means to kneel, to bless God. - from a Hebrew word that is translated "praise".
Surprise again! I don't see many church members kneeling. Fewer still lie prostrate on the floor at the "altar of God" to ask for and expect a miracle from God in whatever circumstance they find themselves.At best, soft, cushioned pews are filled (and often, large swaths of the seats are empty). Church-goers seem content to sit there during corporate praise and worship, through the sermon and past the altar call. No response to the moving of Holy Spirit.
Psalm 72 says: "For He will deliver the needy when he cries for help ... He will have compassion on the poor and needy ... He will rescue their life from oppression and violence; ... Let them bless (barak) Him all day long."
Some will charge believers with "begging" God for His help. "Barak" is not about begging.
We all are certainly needy enough to warrant begging - if God required for us to plead for His help. He does not. His grace and mercy, His help for whatever our need, is already offered, and it is "more than sufficient."
The attitude described in the word "barak" is one of coming before God because we know He will meet our most basic and greatest need, sin and separation from God, through the shed blood of Jesus; our need for eternal fellowship with God, authorized by God raising Jesus from the dead; and our needs while still here on earth, in tender loving care far beyond what we deserve.
We kneel or bow before Him. Nothing needs to be said, though our lips may even here express our gratitude. Our hearts are filled with expectation that the Lord will accept us into His presence and bless us with His abundant mercy.
I can only conclude again that I and many like me are failing to draw near to God - as He has urged us (ME) to do - and not fully realized how GREAT is His compassion and grace toward us (ME). Otherwise, we would without hesitation, at church or anywhere we are, acknowledge Him and "barak" - kneel or prostrate ourselves - often. It would not take an "act of congress" or a ritual to get us on our knees or faces before God.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Why Would I Be Excited? And Show It?
I will probably never make a full presentation about what it means to praise the Lord, our God. I've begun a discussion of the seven Hebrew words that have been translated "praise" in the English language. I will never do full justice to an explanation and illustration of any or all of those words.
I feel compelled to try, and this is a follow-up to my previous look at the word, "halal," from which we derive the word "hallelujah."
How can you tell if a town has a successful high school football program? In some places, stadiums fill on Friday nights with noisy fans even if the team isn't doing well. Those are few, though. But the stands will be overflowing with people wearing the team colors and doing their best to be the "12th man" on the team by rocking the stadium with shouting, clapping, stomping and noise-makers.
Staid businessmen, typical stay-at-home moms and all other normally sane citizens will act like crazy people as they get caught up in the mania of a winning football program and the march toward the playoffs or even a championship season.
Few people blame them. Go to many sports arenas, and you'll find manic crowds, hilariously costumed and unabashedly raucus, trying to add energy to their boys and make it hard for the opposition to function.
Someone has to ultimately ask, "Why?"
Is the attainment of a victory this week or even a season championship worthy of such behavior?
There are other occasions where you'll find people who act "loud and proud," including those who find themselves at a concert as part of a screaming horde of fans or - and the situations here begin to seem more questionable - mashed on a dance floor of a nightclub or part of a rowdy bunch in a bar, all believing their wild behavior is appropriate ... though some of them did have to drink too much alcohol or take drugs to get them "in the mood."
Scripture paints a word picture (halal) of people so thrilled with God they are "clamorously foolish" - singing full strength without fear of embarassment, shouting, clapping - doing whatever seems to express joy and excitement.
Can you believe that - people excited that God has moved Heaven and earth to create a relationship between Him and them? That He gave us the sacrifice of His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus to shed His blood on a cross, die to set us free from sin and rise from the dead to confirm our ticket to Heaven. Does it shock you that folks are overwhemed with joy at all the benefits on earth that come with knowing God and being His child? Lives directed by love. Joy that is not thwarted by bad circumstances. Hearts healed of brokenness. Bodies healed of disease and injury. Protection from harm. Having needs provided for.
While all of the circumstances in live here on earth won't be pleasant or what everyone would desire, God has promised to be with His child in the midst of the worst and best of times.
And the long view - the eternal view - is that a child of God is looking forward to eternity spent with God - we call that "Heaven." He has promised to end this world and create a New Heaven and New Earth where we will be with Him doing more than we can ever imagine.
Is that enough to cause someone to act in a manner that some might call foolish, at home, at work, at school, driving down the road - and yes, in the sanctuary in the congregation of those, our brothers and sisters, who are also anticipating Heaven and thankful for their friendship with the Creator of this universe.
I feel compelled to try, and this is a follow-up to my previous look at the word, "halal," from which we derive the word "hallelujah."
How can you tell if a town has a successful high school football program? In some places, stadiums fill on Friday nights with noisy fans even if the team isn't doing well. Those are few, though. But the stands will be overflowing with people wearing the team colors and doing their best to be the "12th man" on the team by rocking the stadium with shouting, clapping, stomping and noise-makers.
Staid businessmen, typical stay-at-home moms and all other normally sane citizens will act like crazy people as they get caught up in the mania of a winning football program and the march toward the playoffs or even a championship season.
Few people blame them. Go to many sports arenas, and you'll find manic crowds, hilariously costumed and unabashedly raucus, trying to add energy to their boys and make it hard for the opposition to function.
Someone has to ultimately ask, "Why?"
Is the attainment of a victory this week or even a season championship worthy of such behavior?
There are other occasions where you'll find people who act "loud and proud," including those who find themselves at a concert as part of a screaming horde of fans or - and the situations here begin to seem more questionable - mashed on a dance floor of a nightclub or part of a rowdy bunch in a bar, all believing their wild behavior is appropriate ... though some of them did have to drink too much alcohol or take drugs to get them "in the mood."
Scripture paints a word picture (halal) of people so thrilled with God they are "clamorously foolish" - singing full strength without fear of embarassment, shouting, clapping - doing whatever seems to express joy and excitement.
Can you believe that - people excited that God has moved Heaven and earth to create a relationship between Him and them? That He gave us the sacrifice of His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus to shed His blood on a cross, die to set us free from sin and rise from the dead to confirm our ticket to Heaven. Does it shock you that folks are overwhemed with joy at all the benefits on earth that come with knowing God and being His child? Lives directed by love. Joy that is not thwarted by bad circumstances. Hearts healed of brokenness. Bodies healed of disease and injury. Protection from harm. Having needs provided for.
While all of the circumstances in live here on earth won't be pleasant or what everyone would desire, God has promised to be with His child in the midst of the worst and best of times.
And the long view - the eternal view - is that a child of God is looking forward to eternity spent with God - we call that "Heaven." He has promised to end this world and create a New Heaven and New Earth where we will be with Him doing more than we can ever imagine.
Is that enough to cause someone to act in a manner that some might call foolish, at home, at work, at school, driving down the road - and yes, in the sanctuary in the congregation of those, our brothers and sisters, who are also anticipating Heaven and thankful for their friendship with the Creator of this universe.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Praise and Worship Is More than Style
What seems to be the biggest issue among modern church-goers? Worship style.
More and more people are bouncing from church to church trying to find one that "worships" their way.
A local church here has been created, based on all the information I have, because members from a few churches wanted less formality and more modern praise band and chorus-singing programs - and casual dress.
Another church lost younger members who were involved in the praise band there because they felt unappreciated and underused. They felt the worship style of that church was too traditional and not compatible with their tastes in music.
I worry about that. I love enthusiastic singing. Nobody enjoys good instrumentation being used in worship than I. Traditional hymns and gospel songs will NEVER go completely out of style, as far as I'm concerned, but the singing of simpler chorus can allow the congregation to have liberty to express their praise without restrictions like holding a hymnal. And I love the choruses and the more modern musical genres most often involved.
The main issue needs to be the desire to worship rather than is the music program a style that a person enjoys. Worship is certainly about more than a style, but there are styles enough to satisfy everyone. I believe too many people worry about style more than they spend time worshipping.
Praise and worship is about MUCH more than music. I would, however, like to spend some time discussing the common definition of worship - though in terms that might be unfamiliar with most.
Praise and worship are defined in scripture. God's word informs His people; we have no excuse for NOT worshipping or not knowing how to worship.
In the Hebrew language are seven words used in the Bible that are translated "praise" in English. From the first word, "halal," we derive the word "hallelujah."
In my church, and many others I've have attended, you won't hear people crying, "Hallelujah!" very often. Many members don't know what they're saying if they do. It might be shouted less often if they did.
Psalm 113:1: "Praise (halal) the Lord! Praise (halal), O servants of the Lord, praise (halal) the name of the Lord!"
Psalm 150:1: "Praise (halal) the Lord! Praise (halal) God in his sanctuary; praise (hala) Him in His mighty firmament!"
The Hebrew word tells God's people to "be clear, to shine, to boast, show, to rave, celebrate, to be clamorously foolish."
Clamorously foolish? Rave? Boast? Too few of us are even doing something that could be called "celebration." It's no wonder we are not "shining" and making it "clear" to those observing us who our God is or that His people are convinced that He is worthy of praise.
Have you ever heard a child boast, "My daddy is stronger than your daddy"? Have you ever heard a young girl (and even a young boy) rave about their new loved one? It might sound foolish, but you understand their enthusiasm. You jaded older folks are jealous that they can still feel things so strongly and be uninhibited in their praise.
We, who call ourselves the "people of God," have more reason to express such uninhibited enthusiastic praise of GOD than any young lover or child. He is God. He has provided us salvation through Jesus Christ so that we may have an intimate relationship with Him. He has given to us life abundant and eternal.
God is worthy of our "halal!"
More and more people are bouncing from church to church trying to find one that "worships" their way.
A local church here has been created, based on all the information I have, because members from a few churches wanted less formality and more modern praise band and chorus-singing programs - and casual dress.
Another church lost younger members who were involved in the praise band there because they felt unappreciated and underused. They felt the worship style of that church was too traditional and not compatible with their tastes in music.
I worry about that. I love enthusiastic singing. Nobody enjoys good instrumentation being used in worship than I. Traditional hymns and gospel songs will NEVER go completely out of style, as far as I'm concerned, but the singing of simpler chorus can allow the congregation to have liberty to express their praise without restrictions like holding a hymnal. And I love the choruses and the more modern musical genres most often involved.
The main issue needs to be the desire to worship rather than is the music program a style that a person enjoys. Worship is certainly about more than a style, but there are styles enough to satisfy everyone. I believe too many people worry about style more than they spend time worshipping.
Praise and worship are defined in scripture. God's word informs His people; we have no excuse for NOT worshipping or not knowing how to worship.
In the Hebrew language are seven words used in the Bible that are translated "praise" in English. From the first word, "halal," we derive the word "hallelujah."
In my church, and many others I've have attended, you won't hear people crying, "Hallelujah!" very often. Many members don't know what they're saying if they do. It might be shouted less often if they did.
Psalm 113:1: "Praise (halal) the Lord! Praise (halal), O servants of the Lord, praise (halal) the name of the Lord!"
Psalm 150:1: "Praise (halal) the Lord! Praise (halal) God in his sanctuary; praise (hala) Him in His mighty firmament!"
The Hebrew word tells God's people to "be clear, to shine, to boast, show, to rave, celebrate, to be clamorously foolish."
Clamorously foolish? Rave? Boast? Too few of us are even doing something that could be called "celebration." It's no wonder we are not "shining" and making it "clear" to those observing us who our God is or that His people are convinced that He is worthy of praise.
Have you ever heard a child boast, "My daddy is stronger than your daddy"? Have you ever heard a young girl (and even a young boy) rave about their new loved one? It might sound foolish, but you understand their enthusiasm. You jaded older folks are jealous that they can still feel things so strongly and be uninhibited in their praise.
We, who call ourselves the "people of God," have more reason to express such uninhibited enthusiastic praise of GOD than any young lover or child. He is God. He has provided us salvation through Jesus Christ so that we may have an intimate relationship with Him. He has given to us life abundant and eternal.
God is worthy of our "halal!"
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Blogging for Books
Pelican Publishing Company has afforded me the chance to review some of their books. I have, most often, reviewed children's and young adult novels, because I can easily pass those to my wife, Kathy, a teacher, for her use or the benefit of other teachers and students.
I, without requesting a copy, was sent "Eclipse of the Jaguar," a young adult novel and part of a series, one of which ("Sign of the Dragon") I had read and reviewed. I don't know if they liked my review and, therefore sent this new book to me or whether my name just stuck on their list to my benefit.
Slide high above the ground on a rope trolley through a jungle in Belize. Be chased by an angry mother jaguar. Fall prey to a fall-trap inside a Mayan temple. Play hide-and-seek with gun-toting looters.
That is more than enough danger to last a lifetime for most people, but the MacGregor teens — Chris, Heather and R.O. and Chris’s girlfriend, Natalie — barely escape death and serious injury from these perils in just the first several pages of Richard Trout’s seventh novel in the MacGregor Family Adventure Series, “Eclipse of the Jaguar.”
The sacrifices to the Mayan gods by tribal kings in the seventh century reach forward 1400 years to endanger the lives of two young people as multinational treasure hunters cross and double-cross one another to claim the gold, silver and jewels amassed by four kings long ago.
Every member of the family and several unique friends put their lives on the line to rescue the captive young people from the mysterious Mr. Frost.
Once you accept the premise of a family spending a year crossing the globe (the father, Jack MacGregor, is researching a book on endangered species, and his family is traveling from one exotic location to another with him), and the kids are capable of braving wild animals and harsh environments and out-dueling armed villains, this and the other Trout books (I believe ... I’ve only read two) contain about as much fun and excitement as you can handle without a break — before starting the next episode.
The book is written by a professor of environmental science and biology at Oklahoma Christian University. More about Trout and his writings can be found at pelicanpub.com or the blog of the OCU web site.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Praise to "Alpha and Omega"
Our choir at Bristol Baptist Church sings a song based on scripture in Revelation 21 that declares Jesus Christ to be the "Alpha and Omega," the "Beginning and the End."
Jesus is the Lord of all, the One Who is alone worthy of our praise!
(My "cameraman" is learning how to use my cell phone. I hadn't shown him how to use the horizontal view for videotaping.)
We have sung "Alpha and Omega" a couple of times with the first rendition at Easter and the most recent this past Sunday as we prepare to sing it at an event here called ChoirFest.
ChoirFest is the opportunity for 13 or 14 choirs from churches in our Baptist association to share a couple of songs and the style of praise they support at their churches. Like anything else men and women participate in, ChoirFest can be a great worship or simply performance.
I have nothing against great music ... I have always loved music - of many varieties, but especially the music that God, the Creator, inspires His people to create.
The scenes depicted by John in the Revelation often involve singing around the throne of God, so I eagerly anticipate being at the foot of the throne for thousands of years. (For the more timid Christians, other forms of worship are revealed by John's writings ... shouting of many voices that combine to sound like a raging waterfall or rapids of water and bowing, lying face-down actually, at the feet of Jesus. I keep encouraging them to get used to this sort of thing here so it isn't such a shock when it occurs there.)
At some point in this blog, I may review the seven Hebrew words and their different meanings that have been translated into the word "praise" in English. The revelation of what is scriptural praise may be eye-opening - or eye-popping - to some folks.
Jesus is the Lord of all, the One Who is alone worthy of our praise!
(My "cameraman" is learning how to use my cell phone. I hadn't shown him how to use the horizontal view for videotaping.)
We have sung "Alpha and Omega" a couple of times with the first rendition at Easter and the most recent this past Sunday as we prepare to sing it at an event here called ChoirFest.
ChoirFest is the opportunity for 13 or 14 choirs from churches in our Baptist association to share a couple of songs and the style of praise they support at their churches. Like anything else men and women participate in, ChoirFest can be a great worship or simply performance.
I have nothing against great music ... I have always loved music - of many varieties, but especially the music that God, the Creator, inspires His people to create.
The scenes depicted by John in the Revelation often involve singing around the throne of God, so I eagerly anticipate being at the foot of the throne for thousands of years. (For the more timid Christians, other forms of worship are revealed by John's writings ... shouting of many voices that combine to sound like a raging waterfall or rapids of water and bowing, lying face-down actually, at the feet of Jesus. I keep encouraging them to get used to this sort of thing here so it isn't such a shock when it occurs there.)
At some point in this blog, I may review the seven Hebrew words and their different meanings that have been translated into the word "praise" in English. The revelation of what is scriptural praise may be eye-opening - or eye-popping - to some folks.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Getting My Blog-Feet Under Me
Please ... for just a little longer, I am asking for patience. This is still new to me.
I wanted to try uploading video, but I didn't have anything that would successfully upload. The only video available that was related to worship (in particular, related to our choir and worship) would not upload ... it was a video of our 2010 Christmas music service which included manger tableaus by the children and a concluding song where the children's choir joined with the adult choir. The photo below (which I must in all integrity admit focuses on our grandson, Christian) is from that service.
I will go on the record. I reiterate that music is not the totality of worship, though for many children of God, it is a large part of the expression of vocal worship.
I spend much of my time attempting to help our church members express worship corporately through music. I am called to do that and enjoy the praise and worship process. I also get paid as a bi-vocational music minister.
Worship is possible with little or no technology involved ... worship does not depend on technology ... instruments, sound systems, projectors, etc. I however love to use them and can easily defend their use, especially the use of musical instruments, scripturally.
Our church projects the lyrics of hymns and choruses. We use an iPod Classic loaded with a couple of thousand songs as our main choir accompaniment, though we can still use CDs. We have DVD soundracks.
We are limited, though blessed, with one instrumentalist, our pianist. Our goal is to inspire anyone who is in the church or may join the church who plays an instrument to play it for the Lord. We were able to add a clarinetist for a brief time.
I desire to facilitate anyone with breath or anything that is capable to praise the Lord.
(I also want to incorporate video, audio, etc. into this blog. If anyone ever reads these threads, may they not be bored. I might not be able to replace another available blogger, but I aspire to enhance the benefits others provide.)
OK. Paint me incorrigible! I don't have a video of my favorite soloist and choir (my wife, Kathy, with the Bristol Baptist Adult Choir) on "Lord, You're Holy," but I can provide a "poor" substitute, a Youtube video of the Prestonwood choir.
I wanted to try uploading video, but I didn't have anything that would successfully upload. The only video available that was related to worship (in particular, related to our choir and worship) would not upload ... it was a video of our 2010 Christmas music service which included manger tableaus by the children and a concluding song where the children's choir joined with the adult choir. The photo below (which I must in all integrity admit focuses on our grandson, Christian) is from that service.
I will go on the record. I reiterate that music is not the totality of worship, though for many children of God, it is a large part of the expression of vocal worship.
I spend much of my time attempting to help our church members express worship corporately through music. I am called to do that and enjoy the praise and worship process. I also get paid as a bi-vocational music minister.
Worship is possible with little or no technology involved ... worship does not depend on technology ... instruments, sound systems, projectors, etc. I however love to use them and can easily defend their use, especially the use of musical instruments, scripturally.
Our church projects the lyrics of hymns and choruses. We use an iPod Classic loaded with a couple of thousand songs as our main choir accompaniment, though we can still use CDs. We have DVD soundracks.
We are limited, though blessed, with one instrumentalist, our pianist. Our goal is to inspire anyone who is in the church or may join the church who plays an instrument to play it for the Lord. We were able to add a clarinetist for a brief time.
I desire to facilitate anyone with breath or anything that is capable to praise the Lord.
(I also want to incorporate video, audio, etc. into this blog. If anyone ever reads these threads, may they not be bored. I might not be able to replace another available blogger, but I aspire to enhance the benefits others provide.)
OK. Paint me incorrigible! I don't have a video of my favorite soloist and choir (my wife, Kathy, with the Bristol Baptist Adult Choir) on "Lord, You're Holy," but I can provide a "poor" substitute, a Youtube video of the Prestonwood choir.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Make a Joyful Noise!
Psalm 100:1-4 ... "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladnsss: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."
Worship is certainly the main focus of my life, a focus ordained by God. Anyone who knows me recognizes how music directed to God in worship and toward my friends, especially brothers- and sisters-in-Christ, as encouragement for them to worship fills my life.
Worship, which incorporates more than music, but is more a lifestyle of service that shows adoration for the Lord and exalts His name among men, is supposed to be the focus of all children of God.
This blog ... a trial, because I'm not sure how it will work ... will deal with worship - and more, because through Jesus Christ, my life is the sum of many things He is doing in me that are acquainted with worship and yet will seem to be other issues.
My opinion will be shared ... carefully ... and with the intent of being filtered through the word of God.
This first note is just an introduction as I create the blog page.
Then I will come back to blog more ... and discover if anyone is reading and being illuminated by the Spirit of God. Anything less, and it won't be worth your time spent here.
Don't focus on me, PLEASE! Don't return for human wisdom. Look up to God!
As C.S. Lewis wrote: "Aim at Heaven, and you will get Earth thrown in. Aim at Earth, and you get neither."
Worship is certainly the main focus of my life, a focus ordained by God. Anyone who knows me recognizes how music directed to God in worship and toward my friends, especially brothers- and sisters-in-Christ, as encouragement for them to worship fills my life.
Worship, which incorporates more than music, but is more a lifestyle of service that shows adoration for the Lord and exalts His name among men, is supposed to be the focus of all children of God.
This blog ... a trial, because I'm not sure how it will work ... will deal with worship - and more, because through Jesus Christ, my life is the sum of many things He is doing in me that are acquainted with worship and yet will seem to be other issues.
My opinion will be shared ... carefully ... and with the intent of being filtered through the word of God.
This first note is just an introduction as I create the blog page.
Then I will come back to blog more ... and discover if anyone is reading and being illuminated by the Spirit of God. Anything less, and it won't be worth your time spent here.
Don't focus on me, PLEASE! Don't return for human wisdom. Look up to God!
As C.S. Lewis wrote: "Aim at Heaven, and you will get Earth thrown in. Aim at Earth, and you get neither."
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